Matthew 20:1

CHAPTER XX.

The similitude of the householder hiring labourers into his

vineyard, to show that the Gentiles should be preferred to the

Jews, according to what was hinted at the close of the last

chapter, 1-16.

On the way going up to Jerusalem he predicts his sufferings and

death, 17-19.

The mother of Zebedee's children requests dignities for her

sons, 20, 21.

Christ, by his answer, shows that sufferings, not worldly

honours, are to be the lot of his most faithful followers, and

that seats in glory can be given only to those who are prepared

for them, 22, 23.

From this our Lord takes occasion to teach the necessity of

humility, and to show that those who wished to be chief must be

servants of all, 24-28.

On his coming to Jericho, he restores sight to two blind men,

who, being restored, follow him, 29-34.

NOTES ON CHAP. XX.

Verse Matthew 20:1. For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man - a householder] The very commencement of this chapter shows it to be connected with the preceding. The manner of God's proceeding under the Gospel dispensation resembles a householder, who went out at day break, αμα πρωι, together with the morning; as the light began to go out of its chambers in the east, so he went out of his bed-room to employ labourers, that they might cultivate his vineyard. This was what was called, among the Jews and Romans, the first hour; answering to six o'clock in the morning.

To hire labourers] Some workmen, των εργατων - for he had not got all that was necessary, because we find him going out at other hours to hire more.